By Abba-Eku Onyeka, Abuja
The construction of access road and car park for the Kagini Train Station has been flagged-off signifying another milestone of the FCT Administration’s efforts to ensure the provision of an effective public rail transport system in the FCT.
This is in line with the Abuja Transportation master plan, according to a recent press release from Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Anthony Ogunleye to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
At the event, FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello said that the Kagini train station was one of twelve light rail stations provided under the Abuja Rail Mass Transport system and is designed to service the Kagini, Saburi, Jahi and Kaba Districts of the Federal Capital City (FCC).
He revealed that the project was funded, in large part, by the Federal Ministry of Environment from the proceeds of issuance of the Sovereign Green Bond of the Federal Government and on completion will ensure the seamless movement of commuters, goods and services to and from the station to other parts of the FCT.
He said the project was designed to reduce carbon emissions from cars, as it was expected that residents would use more of the trains than motor vehicles.
He expressed appreciation of the FCT Administration to the Hon Minister of Environment for the cooperation of his Ministry over the realization of the project.
While calling on the residents of Kagini community to cooperate with the contractors in their task, he said the project would contribute to the socio-economic development of the area and the FCT as a whole.
The Minister of Environment, Dr Muhammad Mahmood Abubakar who flagged-off the construction said, “The Sovereign Green Bond is a strategic process by the Federal Government to deliver on Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) whose implementation explores and channels resources into viable green projects that are expected to help the nation to meet its emission reduction targets and further solidify its stance on the low carbon pathway and economic diversification.”
He thanked the FCT Minister for his commitment to the Green Bond process which he said has sharpened his Ministry’s climate change and environmental programmes while helping to maintain focus on poverty reduction, sustainable development and growth.
In her welcome address, the FCT Minister of State, Dr Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu said that the success of the project represented the fruits of the FCT Administration’s prudent management of resources and completion of projects with the positive impact on FCT residents.